Facebook threatens to ban key feature for millions – check if you’re affected
FACEBOOK is threatening to pull the plug on news stories in Canada over concerns about a new law.
The country wants tech giants like Meta to pay for links to news articles shared on their platforms.
Lawmakers are currently considering the huge move in a bid to force the company to “negotiate fair deals with news outlets when they profit from their work”.
But Facebook has warned it may have to ban news stories if it goes ahead.
“We believe the Online News Act misrepresents the relationship between platforms and news publishers, and we call on the government to review its approach,” said Marc Dinsdale, head of media partnerships at Meta Canada.
“In the face of adverse legislation based on false assumptions that defy the logic of how Facebook operates, we believe it’s important to be transparent about the possibility that we may be forced to reconsider allowing news content sharing in Canada.”
Read More on The Sun
He claims posts with links to news articles make up less than 3 per cent of what people see in their Facebook Feed.
The social networking behemoth isn’t happy that it was not invited to discussions about the possible law too.
But Canada’s Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez said the government continued to have “constructive conversations” with Facebook.
“All we’re asking the tech giants like Facebook to do is negotiate fair deals with news outlets when they profit from their work,” Rodriguez told Reuters.
Most read in Tech
Such a law would also affect the likes of Google.
Banning news articles from being shared on Facebook would be an extreme step but not one unfamiliar to the firm.
Read more about Facebook
Last year, Mark Zuckerberg‘s tech empire blocked the sharing or viewing of news links on its platform in Australia in response to a proposed law compelling tech giants to pay for journalism.
The decision was eventually reversed following a global backlash and amendments to legislation.
Latest tips and tricks for social media apps
Social media apps like Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp have become vastly popular - but are always hiding new features or leading viral trends. So here are some of the best things to know...
- How do you go live on TikTok?
- How to know if someone blocked you on WhatsApp?
- How do you deactivate your Instagram account?
- How do you download a Facebook video?
- How do you get dark mode on Snapchat?
- How do you delete a Twitter account?
- What does one tick mean on WhatsApp?
- What does the Medusa tattoo mean on TikTok?
- What are Snapchat streaks?
- How do you change your name on Facebook?
- How do you change your Instagram password?
- Who owns Twitter?
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk